Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Just like new mothers and fathers baby-proof their homes, you need to puppy-proof yours. Puppies have a lot of energy and like babies, they're too young to know what they should and shouldn't get into. You need to make your home as safe as possible for your new bundle of joy.

Collect all small and breakable objects, such as anything that can break or that's small enough to swallow, and put them into a room thats off limits to your puppy. Naturally, you'll keep the door to this room closed at all times.

Get down on your hands and knees and pretend you're a puppy. Sound ridiculous? Maybe, but it works. Seeing your home from a puppy's eyes level will help you spot anything dangerous. For instance, do your tablecloths have fringes that hang down? Do you have lots of electrical cords that your puppy could chew? And what about the garbage? Can your puppy get into it?

Make sure all toxins, such as bathroom and kitchen cleaners, are secured in a cabinet with a latch. Some common houseplants are poisonous. Your vet can give you a complete list. Consider moving your plants into the 'off-limits" room.

Unplug all small appliances when you're not using them. Inspect your home for any frayed electrical cords that can shock your puppy if he tries to play with them. Cords hanging from blinds can be deadly. Your puppy can hang himself if he gets tangled in one of these cords. Cut blind cords, wrap them tightly around a bracket, or tape them tightly to the top of your window.

Be certain all doors that lead to the outside shut tightly. Watch windows too. If your puppy is large, he may be able to crawl out of a low window. Once you've taken these steps to puppy-proof your home, you're ready to bring your puppy home.